types of abuse

Abuse

Maltreatment that causes harm or distress through harmful action or a lack of appropriate action.

Settings and contexts of child maltreatment

Maltreatment or neglect occurring through adults or other children within families, institutions, or communities.

Potential perpetrators of child maltreatment

An adult, a group of adults, another child, or multiple children.

Action on Elder Abuse (AEA) definition of elder maltreatment

A single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within a relationship of trust that causes harm or distress to an older person.

Emotional / psychological abuse

Maltreatment causing mental or emotional distress, including humiliation, verbal attacks, name-calling, or intimidation.

Example of emotional or psychological abuse

Telling a child they are unlovable and that it is impossible to find them a loving home.

Institutional abuse

Maltreatment or poor professional practice occurring in a specific care environment, such as a care home or hospital.

Example of institutional abuse

Staff striking a patient because they accidentally wet their hospital bed.

Nine primary types of abuse

Physical, emotional, neglect, sexual, financial, institutional, bullying, exploitation/mate crime, and discriminatory.

Common indicators and signs of abuse

Unexplained injuries, malnourishment, behavioral changes, low self-esteem, self-harm, sexualized behavior, loss of money/possessions, and persistent fear.